Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP), the driving force behind the Sherbro Island City project in Sierra Leone, recently convened with nine top executives representing leading private firms associated with the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI).

Hosted by Lloyd’s, this meeting focused on exploring collaboration and investment prospects inherent in the sustainable development of the Sherbro Island project.

The Sustainable Markets Initiative, established by His Majesty King Charles III during his tenure as Prince of Wales in 2020 at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, serves as a global private sector entity facilitating the transition towards sustainability. Renowned for its ability to assemble industry leaders, financial institutions, and government officials, the SMI plays a pivotal role in catalyzing innovation and driving towards a just, sustainable, and prosperous future.

The gathering of international experts and influential business personalities deliberated on the Sherbro Island City project, analyzing how corporate partnerships could bolster SAP’s developmental plans. The overarching objective is to construct a modern, eco-friendly city that ensures safety, diversity, and tourist appeal while incorporating a state-of-the-art financial center, thereby catering to the needs of Sherbro Islanders, Sierra Leoneans, the diaspora, and global citizens alike.

Idris Elba and Siaka Stevens, co-founders of SAP, emphasized their commitment to advancing Sierra Leone’s development through the transformation of Sherbro Island. Recognizing the monumental scale of this initiative, they underscored the necessity of collective efforts. By forging alliances with industry giants like Octopus Energy and Lloyd’s, alongside potential collaborations within the SMI, SAP aims to assimilate and implement best practices from globally recognized entities.

Among the distinguished attendees were representatives from Africa investor Group, Aon, AstraZeneca, Bank of America, Barclays, Lloyd’s, Octopus Energy, Standard Chartered, and Tokio Marine Kiln. These collaborations, according to Elba & Stevens, are instrumental in realizing Sherbro Island’s long-term vision and fostering sustainable development that yields tangible benefits for the people of Sierra Leone and the broader African continent.

Founded in 2019 by Idris Elba and Siaka Stevens, Sherbro Alliance Partners is dedicated to pioneering the Sherbro Island City project. With a vision to establish the world’s first African Dynamic Eco-City, SAP aims to create a secure, diverse, and sustainable hub for business, education, energy, agriculture, entertainment, and tourism. This visionary endeavor aspires to serve as a home for islanders, Sierra Leoneans, the African Caribbean diaspora, and global expatriates.